5 mins

How to Become a Marketing Manager (Free Education!)

Learn how to craft stories, rule the marketing world, and land your dream job. Also, gain insight into the salaries of Marketing Managers and access free bonus material.
by Chris Allmer | 2024-04-30

The marketing landscape is a dynamic beast, constantly changing with new technologies and trends. It’s no wonder aspiring marketing managers feel overwhelmed by the knowledge and skills needed to succeed!

But don’t give up, the demand for skilled marketing managers is booming. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects astaggering 23,340 new marketing manager jobswill be created each year by 2032.

And with Blinkist, you can shortcut the learning curve and gain the knowledge needed to become a marketing whiz in no time.

So, if you’re wondering how to become a marketing manager, stay with us and find out the exact steps you have to take, along with the knowledge to succeed!

What Does a Marketing Manager Do? The Mastermind Behind the Brand!

In a nutshell, they are the strategic storytellers who oversee a company’s marketing efforts, driving brand awareness, customer engagement, and business growth. 

Marketing managers wear many hats, here’s a glimpse into a propermarketing manager job description:

  • Developing and executing marketing campaigns across various channels (social media, email marketing, etc.) to reach target audiences and achieve marketing goals.
  • Analyzing data and measuring campaign performance to identify areas for improvement and ensure strategies are data-driven.
  • Staying on top of marketing trends to capitalize on new opportunities and keep the brand relevant.
  • Leading and motivating marketing teams to achieve shared goals. Effective marketing managers are strong leaders who inspire creativity and empower their teams to deliver exceptional results.

So, what does a marketing manager do? They are the strategic storytellers who bridge the gap between creative vision and measurable results.

And if you’ve ever wondered how marketing managers hone this vital skill, check out our Blinkist collection, “The Art of Storytelling.”  

This book collection unlocks the secrets to creating compelling stories – a crucial skill for any marketer:

How to Become a Marketing Manager

There are two main paths to becoming a marketing manager:

1. Education Route: A marketing, business administration, or communications degree provides a strong foundation. You can check out online courses, like this one:Digital Marketing Analyst at Coursera

2. Experience Route: Gain hands-on experience through entry-level marketing positions and internships likemarketing associate, social media coordinator, or content marketing specialist.

But regardless of your chosen path, developing these 5 key skills is essential for your career to become a marketing manager:

1. Communication: Master written and verbal communication for clear and persuasive messaging.

Mastering Communication at Work

Mastering Communication at Work


by Ethan F. Becker, Jon Wortmann
  1. 22 min reading time
  2. audio version available

2. Leadership: Motivate and inspire your team to achieve shared goals.

Leadership Strategy and Tactics

Leadership Strategy and Tactics


by Jocko Willink
  1. 20 min reading time
  2. audio version available

3. Data Analysis: Leverage data to measure campaign performance and make strategic decisions.

The Data Detective

The Data Detective


by Tim Harford
  1. 32 min reading time
  2. audio version available

4. Creativity & Problem-Solving: Think outside the box to develop innovative marketing strategies.

Creativity, Inc.

Creativity, Inc.


by Ed Catmull, Amy Wallace
  1. 19 min reading time
  2. audio version available

5. Project & Budget Management: Effectively manage projects and budgets to achieve marketing goals.

Project Management for the Unofficial Project Manager

Project Management for the Unofficial Project Manager


by Kory Kogon, Suzette Blakemore, James Wood
  1. 18 min reading time
  2. audio version available

Get Promoted: How to Become a Marketing Director

And if you want to step up your marketing game, your next move on the career ladder would be to become a Marketing Director. Here, you’ll oversee the entire marketing department, providing strategic direction and shaping the overall marketing vision for the company.

But if you want to explore more than just one field before you become the big boss, take a look at branching out:

The Different Fields in Marketing Management

The beauty of marketing management is its versatility. You can apply your marketing expertise in various industries. Here, we’ll take a look into two popular specializations:

1. Product Marketing Manager: They develop product roadmaps, craft engaging product messaging, and make sure that the product reaches its target audience effectively.

How to Become a Product Marketing Manager?

This path requires a strong understanding of product development, market research, and marketing strategy. Consider coursework, internships, or entry-level marketing positions to gain valuable experience.

2. Sports Marketing Manager: The world of sports marketing is fast and dynamic. Sports marketing managers create brand awareness and engagement for sports teams, athletes, or sporting goods companies.

How to Become a Sports Marketing Manager?

A passion for sports combined with marketing expertise is key. Build your knowledge through internships with sports teams or sporting goods companies. Consider relevant coursework in sports marketing or sports management.

And now let’s take a look at the key question after we have learned how to become a marketing manager:

What’s the Marketing Manager’s Salary?

The financial rewards of a marketing manager’s career path can be significant. According toUS NEWS the median salary for marketing managers in the United States was $140,040 in 2022. 

But the salary range for marketing managers can vary depending on experience, location, and industry, but here’s a general idea:

  • Low Range: $103,060
  • Median: $140,040
  • High Range: $198,530

Become a Marketing Mastermind with Blinkist!

The world of marketing is exciting and ever-evolving, offering a dynamic career path with great potential. So, how do you become a marketing manager? By combining the right education and experience with a strong skill set.

And here’s the secret weapon: Blinkist offers a shortcut to gaining the knowledge you need to become a marketing manager rockstar. 

With over 7,500 book summaries on various marketing topics – from “The Art of Storytelling” to “Growth Hacking” – Blinkist condenses key insights into bite-sized, easy-to-digest formats.

In minutes, not hours, you can learn from marketing experts and industry leaders.

Need a little extra creative fuel along the way to become a marketing manager? Check out:Fuel Your Creativity: 20 Marketing Quotes From Gurus and Industry Professionals So, are you ready to unlock your marketing potential? 

Start your free 7-day trial

Chris Allmer
About the writer
Chris Allmer

Meet Chris, an accomplished bilingual copywriter who excels at simplifying complex topics and making them a feast for your brain. When he’s not crafting copy in German or English, you’ll find him chasing his dream of a barefoot life on the beach with stacks of exciting books.

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